Welcome to UMBC!
We’re excited to have you and look forward to all that you’ll achieve.
Orientation for All New Students
Orientation programs are offered online asynchronously for graduate students entering UMBC. Admitted students can access orientation through Blackboard.
1. Sign into your UMBC Blackboard account. (This will have the same credentials as your myUMBC account so make sure you have that set up first.)
2. Select “Organizations” on the left-hand side of the Blackboard dashboard.
3. Select “Organization Catalog” in the upper right-hand corner of the Organization page to search organizations in our Blackboard system.
4. Type “Graduate School Orientation” into the search bar and click “Go.”
5. Select the downward arrow next to the Organization ID and click “Enroll.” When prompted, use the access code GRADORIENTATION.
6. From the self-enrollment page, click “Submit” to enroll in the organization.
7. Navigate back to the Blackboard Organization page, and click “Graduate School Orientation.”
8. Click the “Content” tab on the left-hand side of the screen, then click “Graduate School Orientation” once again. You’re in!
International Students
The International Student and Scholar Service also sponsors a separate orientation specifically for new international students.
Departmental Orientations
Please contact your department directly to learn if they are hosting a program-specific orientation.
Shady Grove Students
Shady Grove students will receive information on orientation in Rockville.
Have questions regarding UMBC-Shady Grove orientations? Please email:
sgprofessionalprograms@umbc.edu
Tell us about yourself and we’ll create your custom checklist.
Select any of the buttons below that describe who you are. Then we’ll show you a customized checklist explaining exactly what you need to do to finalize your admission and prepare for the upcoming year.
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Set up your myUMBC Account
Set up your myUMBC Account Content
Your myUMBC account is your gateway to services, information, and connections to the campus community. You can also access your UMBC email account through myUMBC.
Register for Orientation and Classes
Register for Orientation and Classes Content
All new students are required to complete an Orientation program to learn about academic requirements and register for classes. Beginning in early-April (fall enrollment) or mid-November (spring enrollment), students can sign up for Orientation.
Learn About Financing Your Education
Learn About Financing Your Education Content
There are several options to finance your graduate education. Whether you’re interested in graduate assistantships or have questions about the FAFSA, our financial aid and scholarships office has the information you need. Be sure to direct any questions to your Financial Aid Counselor. Students who complete the FAFSA will begin receiving financial aid awards through their UMBC email as early as mid-March (fall enrollment) or end of October (spring enrollment). You can pay your tuition bill through Student Business Services.
Fill out your RIH Immunization Form
Fill out your RIH Immunization Form Content
As you prepare for your arrival at UMBC, there are some health-related requirements that you must meet before you arrive on campus. Each item is listed here. Please contact Retriever Integrated Health with any questions.
Complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial
Complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial Content
The UMBC community is committed to creating an academic environment in which teaching, learning, and research are conducted according to the principles of academic integrity. Each new degree-seeking graduate student entering UMBC is required to pass the test by September 15 (Fall) or February 15 (Spring).
Submit Your Campus ID Photo
Submit Your Campus ID Photo Content
Submit your favorite photo for your campus ID, the Retriever Card. This card is required for accessing library, computing, and transit, as well as other services on campus. Submitting a photo is quick and easy.
Get a Parking Permit (if applicable)
Get a Parking Permit (if applicable) Content
UMBC requires all parked vehicles to have a valid UMBC permit, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, excluding visitor pay-to-park spaces. All vehicles must be registered before being driven to campus. Parking permits are required year-round and the permit is attached to your vehicle(s).
Submit All Required Documents
Submit All Required Documents Content
Applying to the Graduate School at UMBC requires information regarding your academic history, professional background, and personal information. Please check the requirements and make sure you have submitted all necessary materials.
Attend the Graduate School Welcome Event
Attend the Graduate School Welcome Event Content
Join us at this non-mandatory Welcome Event at the beginning of your first semester (usually on the Friday before classes start). Learn about campus organizations and services, grab a free snack, and hear from Graduate School administration. This is a great opportunity to meet others in the Graduate School community and get acquainted with our beautiful campus!
Start Your Visa Process
Start Your Visa Process Content
Assuming you do not already have U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or another visa category that allows you to study in the U.S., you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa and an I-20 from UMBC. You’ll start this process by requesting an I-20 from UMBC and then applying for the F-1 visa. Learn more about the process and know our staff is available to answer your questions.
Browse our Student Communications
Browse our Student Communications Content
Look for upcoming webinars to answer all of your questions or browse through previously recorded sessions.
Secure Housing
Secure Housing Content
We highly recommend you secure housing before you arrive in the United States. Graduate students can live either on or off campus.
Attend International Student Orientation
Attend International Student Orientation Content
International Student Orientation is a mandatory virtual event that introduces you to everything UMBC has to offer! You will meet other new students, current international students, and UMBC staff from around campus who will be able to help you as you begin your career at UMBC and learn about the programs, services and opportunities available to you!
Contact Us
UMBC’s Graduate School Office
Mailing Address
UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD, 21250
Phone Number
Available Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
410-455-2537
or Contact a Staff Member
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